AMERICAN-MADE The Enduring Legacy of the WPA: When FDR Put the Nation to Work

Narrator James Boles enlivens the story of the WPA's creation in 1935, its emphasis on employing the most people, the brilliant stewardship of Harry Hopkins, the scope of its projects--from the construction of the Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood to the serving of hot school lunches--its detractors, and its ultimate replacement by the war industry. This history lesson is so fascinating that all that's required in audio is a friendly pace and clear diction. Boles gives this and more. You hear echoes of FDR and Churchill in quotes and genuine sympathy in the descriptions of the hardships of unemployment without a safety net. This would be a good title for the road (maybe WPA-built?) as listening in sections doesn't hurt the experience. J.B.G. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2008]